Lake Huron Shoreline Conditions

Forecast strong winds and waves could cause flooding and erosion problems along the Lake Huron shoreline.

A cold front associated with an intense low-pressure system will move across the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds today (Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019), bringing with it high winds. Strong northwest winds are expected to begin later today and are forecast to peak Thursday morning. Maximum sustained wind speeds of 40-50 km/hr with gusts up to 80 km/hr are forecast over southern Lake Huron with this event. Winds are forecasted to diminish on Thursday, but will remain steady out of the northwest through Friday morning.

The strong winds, combined with near record-high water levels on Lake Huron, will result in higher than normal waves hitting shoreline areas. The increased wave height may result in minor flooding of low-lying coastal areas, as well as increased risk of erosion to lakeshore bluffs.

Residents are reminded to stay well back from breaking waves, as well as top-of-bluff areas during and after the storm in case there has been any movement of the lake bank. It is important to remember that there may be a delay between erosion at the toe (bottom) of the bluff and subsequent bluff failure.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. noon on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, unless local conditions warrant further updates. Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide an update if required.

Contact:

Stephen Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
sjackson@mvca.on.ca
519-357-0890